Southampton, NY :

Long Island

Southampton's Season Never Ends

IfRalph Lauren designed a village, it would be Southampton. Situated on the South Fork of Long Island and settled in 1640, it's steeped in charm and culture. When's the last time you were there? If your answer is, "last summer" have we got a hot tip for you! Board the Hampton Jitney in New York City and head south on the L.I.E. In two hours' time and without any traffic, you will find yourself in the mostpostcard perfect town. You'll be amazed by spectacular fall and winter discounts and you will be seasons away from the maddening crowds.

THERE'S ROOM AT THE INNBook your room at the Southampton Inn, located steps away from Main Street and a stone's throw from the shore. Its Hamptons "club casual" atmosphere combines a family-friendly getaway in a serene setting. Tip: Request one of the "designer" rooms. There's the Nicole Miller room, the Paloma Picasso room and the Chris Madden room; each one decorated by the designer. Chances are you will meet the innkeeper, Dede in the cozy library chatting with guests near the fireplace. Dede and her family have been fixtures in Southampton since the early sixties. Her warm hospitality, sharp wit and infectious humor draws you in. She will proudly show you works by Michael Sherman, a local artist adorning the hallways of the on-site conference center and offer to show you the south lawn and organic gardens where the Inn's restaurant Oso, gathers produce for sustainable "farm to table" recipes.

Our room was quiet and tastefully appointed with a king sized bed and comfy couch. We enjoyed a relaxed nights' sleep on the tempurpedic mattress and awoke to a crystal clear fall morning. Dressed warmly in layers, we headed downstairs for Oso's scrumptious buffet breakfast. The yummy spread featured farm fresh scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad, baked muffins, apple smoked bacon and savory sausage. Delish! After two cups of fresh brewed coffee, it was time for sightseeing and a brisk walk into town.

A "LANDMARK" DINNER
The Southampton Publick House has operated in the same location since the 1800s. During prohibition, a speakeasy in the basement served luminaries like Clark Gable and Babe Ruth. In 1996, the restaurant added an award-winning craft brewery and sells bottles from its beer cellar. Today, the Publick House's lively bar and local flavor make it a happening hang out and the place was packed. Grooving on Aretha, we sipped Keller Pils, an unfiltered, gently carbonated house brew that paired perfectly with NY sirloin and Atlantic salmon. The DJ spins great hits by Michael, Marvin and the Bee Gees so you can opt to stay after dinner and dance the night away.

ART HISTORY
Featuring the art and artists of Long Island's East End, the Parrish Art Museum displays works by Willem de Kooning, Roy Lichtenstein and Jackson Pollock, as well as artists currently working in the area. The stunning new building, with skylights facing towards the north, lays in an extensive meadow of indigenous grasses that refers to the natural landscape of Long Island. With 80% funding and ongoing efforts to secure the dollars still needed, the museum hopes to open its doors in the summer of 2012. The Southampton Historical Museums and Research Center, housed in an 1843 home originally inhabited by a sea captain, offers changing exhibits on the region's history. The winter calendar features poetry readings, dances and jewelry shows. The living history museum has a one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith's shop and a barn with displays of farm tools, and whaling industry artifacts. You'll find the country's first department store here on Main Street and landmarks everywhere you turn. For a serious tour of the town, consider organizing a group tour hosted by the dapper Bruce Michael. When not in Manhattan, Bruce lives on the island and has the "behind the scene scoop" on Southampton; both past and present. ....